Post by magic612 on Sept 6, 2011 18:41:31 GMT -6
Hi all,
My name is Dave, and I've been an amateur astronomer since... well, a long time, since I was a kid, I guess. Got my first "real" telescope in my mid 20's, and did observing on and off as time allowed between family, jobs and life. As my kids have gotten older, I've discovered I have a few talents that lend themselves well to sharing the night sky with others: I write fairly well, and some people say I can act (or at least communicate pretty effectively).
About 3 years ago I started writing articles for my local newspaper publisher about how to find things in the night sky. As the newspaper business has contracted, I wasn't able to offer much in the way of ad revenue, and took up a lot of newspaper real estate. So that ended, but I discovered a better way to share the night sky: YouTube!
I have been putting monthly sky videos on YouTube since the beginning of this year, showing "What's changed" in the night sky from the prior month, and where people can easily find the brightest planets, meteor showers and a few prominent constellations. You can see them on my website at www.eyesonthesky.com where I also have free star charts you can print or use on your smartphone to find some of these objects yourself, and when you see me or Joe or the other CA crew out.
I also try to mention the problem of light pollution and how everyone can easily take quick, simple steps to reduce the problem in their own backyard, so we can all see more stars, without forgoing any security and while saving money in the process.
I look at it as a win-win-win scenario. Hope you enjoy the videos, and I look forward to seeing many of you out on the sidewalk.
My name is Dave, and I've been an amateur astronomer since... well, a long time, since I was a kid, I guess. Got my first "real" telescope in my mid 20's, and did observing on and off as time allowed between family, jobs and life. As my kids have gotten older, I've discovered I have a few talents that lend themselves well to sharing the night sky with others: I write fairly well, and some people say I can act (or at least communicate pretty effectively).
About 3 years ago I started writing articles for my local newspaper publisher about how to find things in the night sky. As the newspaper business has contracted, I wasn't able to offer much in the way of ad revenue, and took up a lot of newspaper real estate. So that ended, but I discovered a better way to share the night sky: YouTube!
I have been putting monthly sky videos on YouTube since the beginning of this year, showing "What's changed" in the night sky from the prior month, and where people can easily find the brightest planets, meteor showers and a few prominent constellations. You can see them on my website at www.eyesonthesky.com where I also have free star charts you can print or use on your smartphone to find some of these objects yourself, and when you see me or Joe or the other CA crew out.
I also try to mention the problem of light pollution and how everyone can easily take quick, simple steps to reduce the problem in their own backyard, so we can all see more stars, without forgoing any security and while saving money in the process.
I look at it as a win-win-win scenario. Hope you enjoy the videos, and I look forward to seeing many of you out on the sidewalk.
